İçindekiler
Agricultural Irrigation
Agricultural irrigation is the process of artificially providing water to the soil when there is not enough water available for plants. With agricultural irrigation, plants receive sufficient water, which in turn increases yield and quality. Agricultural irrigation methods, such as surface, overhead, drip, underground, solar-powered, or combined systems, may vary depending on factors such as the source of water, how the water will be transported, and how it will be distributed to the soil.
1. What is Irrigation?
Irrigation is a method that involves artificially providing water to the soil to ensure the normal growth of plants. In agricultural irrigation, an efficient irrigation method should be used to protect surface or underground water sources. In recent years, the use of solar-powered systems, which are widely used and preferred due to their energy-saving benefits, has become possible.
2. Plant Net Irrigation Water Requirements
Plant net irrigation water requirements are monitored based on meteorological station data. These data calculate the amount of water needed by plants, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, soil moisture, soil type, and plant species.
Meteorological station data is essential for determining the amount of water needed by plants. This data includes factors such as daily or weekly precipitation, humidity, air temperature, and wind speed. These data are used to determine the amount of water required by plants.
The net irrigation water requirement of plants can vary according to agricultural irrigation methods. For example, when using a surface irrigation system, the amount of water required by plants may be higher because water is lost on the soil surface. When using an underground irrigation system, the amount of water required by plants may be lower because it prevents water loss on the soil surface.
In conclusion, the net irrigation water requirements of plants calculated considering meteorological station data can vary depending on agricultural irrigation methods and are essential for the healthy development of plants. By using this data, proper irrigation methods can be applied to increase productivity and protect water resources.
3. Amount of Irrigation Water to be Applied
The amount of irrigation water is calculated based on the water needs of plants and the water-holding capacity of the soil. Considering the soil moisture in the effective root zone of plants, the necessary amount of water is applied to bring the water level in the soil to its water-holding capacity. You can use the calculation tool above for the annual water needs of significant crops in our region.
Factors affecting the amount of irrigation water to be applied:
- Plant water needs: Each plant has different water needs, and these needs can change throughout the growing season.
- Soil type: Soil type can vary according to its water-holding capacity and permeability.
- Soil moisture: Soil moisture in the effective root zone of plants can affect the amount of irrigation water.
- Weather conditions: Hot and dry weather conditions increase the water needs of plants, while rainy weather conditions can reduce them.
- Size of the cultivated area: The amount of irrigation water can vary depending on the size of the cultivated area.
- Irrigation method: Different irrigation methods require different amounts of water. For example, pond irrigation uses less water, while double-row irrigation may require more water.
- Plant production purpose: The purpose of plant production can also affect the amount of irrigation water. For example, more water is needed for fruit and vegetable production, while less water is sufficient for flower cultivation.
- Meteorological data-based factors affecting plant irrigation amounts:
- Rainfall amount and frequency
- Amount and duration of sunlight
- Wind speed and direction
- Air temperature and humidity
- Soil moisture
- Age and growth stage of the plant
- Soil type and characteristics (temperature, pH, mineral content, etc.)
- Plant species and water requirements
- Irrigation system and technology
- Size and structure of the agricultural area
4. Factors Affecting Irrigation Water Amount
Factors affecting the amount of irrigation water include: -Meteorological data: factors such as precipitation, soil moisture, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation can affect the amount of irrigation water needed. -Soil type: soil type can affect the soil’s water-holding capacity. For example, sandy soils allow water to drain more easily and may require more frequent irrigation, while clay soils hold water more easily and may require less irrigation. -Plant type: different plants have different water requirements. For example, plants like alfalfa and potatoes require more water, while plants like beans may require less water. -Plant growth stage: the growth stages of plants can also affect their water requirements. For example, fruit trees require more water during fruit development.
5. Determining Irrigation Timing
Some methods that can be used to determine irrigation timing are:
Tensiometer: This device is used to measure soil moisture. It is placed in holes in the ground and the moisture level is determined through indicators on the device, indicating whether it is time to irrigate.
Soil auger: In this method, soil samples are taken to measure moisture and are squeezed in the palm to form a lump. The level of moisture is estimated by looking at the degree to which the soil forms a strip and its color.
Observing the general condition of plants: This method involves observing the overall condition of the plants, as shown in Table 5, to roughly determine the timing of irrigation. For example, water stress in some plants such as clover, potatoes, and beans can cause the leaves to darken and eventually wilt and curl.
Weather conditions: Weather conditions, especially temperature, humidity, and precipitation, can affect soil moisture and the water needs of plants. Therefore, more frequent irrigation may be necessary during hot and dry periods.
Field capacity: Field capacity determines the soil’s water-holding capacity and the amount of water available to plants. Therefore, it is important to consider soil capacity when irrigating.
Bitki | Su Duyarlı Olduğu Dönem | Su İstek Belirtileri | İlk Su Verme Zamanı | Son Su Verme Zamanı | Sulama Gün Dönemi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bağ | Meyvelerin iri koruk büyüklüğü ile tatlılaşmasında 15 gün öncesine kadar | Sürgünlerde büyümenin yavaşlaması, yaprakların koyulaşması | Temmuz Başı | Ağustos Başı | 40- 50 |
Meyveler | Meyve çekirdeklerinin sertleşme başlangıcından meyve olgunlaşmasından 15 gün öncesine kadar | Sürgünlerde büyümenin yavaşlaması, yaprakların koyulaşması | Mayıs Sonu | Ağustos Başı | 100- 110 |
Yonca | Çiçeklenme başlangıcı ve biçimden sonra | Büyümenin yavaşlaması, sabahın erken saatlerinde yapraklarda pörsüme | Haziran Başı | Eylül Sonu | 160- 180 |
Yem Bitkileri (Çayır, Mera) | Her otlatmadan sonra | Büyümenin yavaşlaması, sabahın erken saatlerinde yapraklarda pörsüme | Haziran Başı | Eylül Sonu | 130-150 |
Patates | Yumruların teşekkülünden olgunlaşmasına kadar | Sabahın erken saatlerinde yapraklarda pörsüme | Mayıs Başı | Haziran Sonu | 90- 100 |
Mısır | Tepe kapsülü teşekkülü ile süt olumuna kadar | Sabahın erken saatlerinde yapraklarda pörsüme ve koyulaşma | Haziran Ortası | Ağustos Başı | 50- 70 |
Çilek | Meyvelerin gelişip olgunlaşmasına kadar | ||||
Tahıllar | Sapa kalkma ile başak bağlama arasında |
6. Effective Root Depths for Plants
Irrigation is a process carried out to ensure that the required amount of water for plants is present in the soil at the effective root depth. Effective root depth is the depth at which plants take eighty percent of the water present in the soil. Therefore, during irrigation, it is necessary to check whether the water reaches the effective root zone depth using a soil moisture sensor. In addition, only the amount of water that the soil can store should be given. If more water is given, the plant roots will not be able to benefit from it. If less water than the field capacity is given to the effective root depth, the plant will face insufficient irrigation and will not be able to take in the required moisture.
General effective root depth information for commonly grown crops.
| Bitki | Etkili Kök Derinliği (m) |
|---|---|
Bağ | 90-180 |
Biber | 30-60 |
Çilek | 30-45 |
Domates | 30-60 |
Fasulye | 60 |
Hıya | 45-60 |
Hububat | 60-75 |
Kavun | 75-90 |
Mera | 45 |
Meyve Ağaçları | 90-150 |
Mısır | 75 |
Patates | 60 |
Soğan | 90 |
Şeker Pancarı | 60-90 |
Yonca | 90-180 |
7. Agricultural Irrigation Methods
Surface Irrigation: Water is applied to the field by jet or hose. This method is one of the most commonly used methods.
Subsurface Irrigation: Water is delivered to the plants through an underground pipe system. This method allows water to stay in the soil for a longer period and meets the water needs of the plants.
Vertical Irrigation: Water is delivered to the soil through a vertical pipe system. This method allows water to stay in the soil for a longer period and meets the water needs of the plants.
Flood Irrigation: Water is taken from a lake or reservoir and applied to the field as a flood. This method allows water to stay in the soil for a longer period and meets the water needs of the plants.
Furrow Irrigation: Water is delivered to the plants through a drainage system created on the field. This method allows water to stay in the soil for a longer period and meets the water needs of the plants.
Subirrigation: Water is applied to the plants from underground water wells. This method allows water to stay in the soil for a longer period and meets the water needs of the plants.